Many women experience abdominal swelling after a hysterectomy, but there are a variety of ways they can manage the issue. It is very important to get enough rest to allow the incisions to heal; too much activity too soon after surgery can contribute to swelling. Anti-inflammatory medications are another option that can provide relief. Applying ice packs may reduce inflammation around the surgical site. Bands or underwear that provide support of the abdomen may also help.

One of the most common causes of swelling after having a hysterectomy is too much activity. A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure and the body needs time to recuperate and heal; women who are eager to get back to normal quickly may do too much too fast. Excessive walking, lifting, or even standing can aggravate the tissues in the abdomen and cause them to swell, and may eventually lead to injury. Women recovering from surgery should be sure to follow their doctor's orders regarding rest and appropriate levels of activity, even if they feel they can do more.

Medication is another option to manage swelling after a hysterectomy. Many doctors will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for patients prior to sending them home after surgery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, or NSAIDs, which are available over the counter, may also be helpful for reducing swelling as well as helping to manage pain. Patients should consult with their doctors before taking any drug to ensure it is the best option.

Ad

Application of cold may also help bring down abdominal swelling after a hysterectomy. Swelling is generally caused by inflammation of the tissues around the incisions, and cold helps reduce the inflammation. Ice packs or cold compresses should be applied to the swollen area for brief periods of time, followed by breaks to keep the tissue from becoming too cold. They should not be applied directly to the skin or left on until the area becomes numb.

Those suffering from swelling after a hysterectomy swelling may also benefit from using compression on the surgical site. Compression can help reduce fluid accumulation in the surrounding tissues. One option is the use of compression bands that go around the stomach to help control any shifting of internal structures during healing. Support hose or underwear may also be used. They should be supportive but not restrictive, as ones that are too tight may aggravate the swelling instead of helping.

Discuss this Article

SarahGenPost 3

@ysmina-- Pick up an anti-inflammatory topical ointment from the pharmacy. My doctor prescribed one for me in gel form for hysterectomy pain and swelling. I use it in addition to an oral anti-inflammatory and it has helped a lot.

candyquiltPost 2

@ysmina-- I don't think that salt has anything to do with it, but you should be drinking plenty of water and eating healthy during your recovery. Staying hydrated will help reduce swelling and it will also help medications leave your body.

Have you been moving around too much or lifting bags or anything like that? It's too soon for you to be doing house chores or going grocery shopping. You need to be laying down and resting for most of the time. You are still healing.

Activity is the number one reason for excessive swelling after a hysterectomy procedure. I made the same mistake after my surgery. I started moving around, buying groceries, dropping kids off at school. That's when my swelling got very bad. After resting, the swelling reduced again. So please take it easy and rest. It's important.

ysminaPost 1

Will reducing my salt intake help with hysterectomy swelling? I had a partial hysterectomy two weeks ago. I don't know what's going on because I have more abdominal swelling now than I did following my hysterectomy. I'm wondering if it's edema and if cutting out salt from my diet will help. I'm already taking an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication.

Post your comments

Please enter the code:

Login

Register

Make changes/additions/deletions to the article below, and one of our editors will publish your suggestions if warranted.

Optional: Explanation of your recommended changes

Thank You!

One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted.
Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive,
this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!